Detroit Bad Boys - All PostsA community of Detroit Pistons fans since 2005https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48119/detroitbadboys-fave.png2015-03-31T14:05:24-04:00http://www.detroitbadboys.com/rss/current/This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site, subject to copyright and fair use.2015-03-31T14:05:24-04:002015-03-31T14:05:24-04:00Pistons vs. Hawks preview: First round matchup?
<img alt="" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0Q7L4_Eq8IFYRLdpAE5FWZORvzI=/107x618:1739x1706/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46015864/usa-today-8338288.0.jpg" />
<p>The Detroit Pistons take on the Atlanta Hawks at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Tuesday night. Is this a preview of the first round?</p>
<h3>Game Vitals</h3>
<p><b>Where:</b> Palace of Auburn Hills</p>
<p><b>When:</b> Tuesday, March 31, 2015 @ 7:30 PM</p>
<p><b>Watch:</b> Fox Sports Detroit</p>
<p><b>Listen:</b> 105.1 FM</p>
<h3>Pregame Analysis</h3>
<p>I am ever the optimist. I still believe the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a> have the easiest schedule remaining of those fighting for the 8th seed of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Sadly, a loss on Sunday to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> did not help their chances as they are now 4.5 games back with only nine games to play. However, if a miracle were to happen, this would be a preview of the first round matchup between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/atlanta-hawks">Hawks</a> and the Pistons.</p>
<p>You cannot really count the previous three contests as previews as they were all different teams. The first game featured <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21573/josh-smith">Josh Smith</a> on the Pistons. Woof! The next two games were during the Pistons resurgence, but Atlanta took both of those (one only by three points). They also had <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71910/brandon-jennings">Brandon Jennings</a> for those games. This game will feature five new Pistons (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/150206/reggie-jackson">Reggie Jackson</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21691/tayshaun-prince">Tayshaun Prince</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21788/john-lucas-iii">John Lucas III</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21710/shawne-williams">Shawne Williams</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157927/quincy-miller">Quincy Miller</a>). The Pistons, as of recently, are also without <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111926/greg-monroe">Greg Monroe</a> (which if I must say, for a knee strain, is taking quite a while to recover from for someone who's never had injury issues).</p>
<p>Now while the Hawks were nice enough to rest their starters for their game against Charlotte this weekend, it is not certain they will be as kind to the Pistons. They played last night, so you would think they should. However, they do have a few things to consider. In last night's game, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/198047/dennis-schroder">Dennis Schroder</a> injured his toe and will not play. Also, the Hawks have a chance at matching their franchise record in wins this evening. And lastly, if they do consider the Pistons a threat to make it to the eighth seed, it would be in their best interest to 1) stop that from happening and 2) humiliate the Pistons so that if they were to face the Hawks, all confidence is lost.</p>
<p>The Pistons have not lost four games to the Hawks in one season since 1993-94, just over 20 years ago. I would love to see the Pistons keep that in tact.</p>
<p>As stated, Atlanta played last night beating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/milwaukee-bucks">Bucks</a> by 13. And though it may not be Reggie Miller's 8 points in 9 seconds, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21579/kyle-korver">Kyle Korver</a> showed just how dangerous he is by scoring 11 points (looked like 12 to me) in 65 seconds.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZwbp2nNFhY" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>If any player rests for Atlanta, I hope it's him. If that man had just an ounce more athleticism, he'd be a superstar. I still wonder why he only shoots eight (!) field goal attempts a game. (Mind you, in the above clip, those were the only four shots he made - out of 10 - the entire game.)</p>
<p>As for the Pistons, they lost to Dwyane Wade's younger self and the Miami Heat on Sunday. In that game, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157959/andre-drummond">Andre Drummond</a> scored a career high 32 points while also grabbing 14 rebounds. Reggie Jackson also set a career high for points by putting in 31 points to go with nine assists, six rebounds and four turnovers.</p>
<h3>Players to Watch</h3>
<p><b>Pistons:</b> Reggie Jackson</p>
<p>Basically, can he keep up this play. If he can, Detroit may have a shot to win this game.</p>
<p><b>Hawks:</b> Kyle Korver</p>
<p>I hope we're watching him on the bench, but if not, he can simply light up the Pistons. That will not bode well if Detroit wants to win.</p>
<h3>Last Time We Met</h3>
<p>January 19th, 2015 - Hawks 93, Pistons 82</p>
<p>In what was the Pistons worst loss to the Hawks this season, the Pistons were only down four with 7:24 to go. Andre had 13 points to go with 18 rebounds and Monroe was even better with 16 points and 20 rebounds. The did not do so well on defense as the Hawks were lead by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21649/paul-millsap">Paul Millsap</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157956/mike-scott">Mike Scott</a> who each had 20 points a piece (Scott's in only 21 minutes). The difference in the game though was ball movement as the Hawks had 31 assists opposite the Pistons 17 assists.</p>
<h3>Prediction</h3>
<p>Pistons 94 - Hawks 92</p>
<h3>Injuries</h3>
<p><b>Pistons:</b> Monroe (knee)</p>
<p><b>Hawks:</b> Schroder (toe)</p>
<h3>Startin Lineup</h3>
<p><b>Pistons:</b> Jackson, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/198125/kentavious-caldwell-pope">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21834/caron-butler">Caron Butler</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24721/anthony-tolliver">Anthony Tolliver</a>, Drummond</p>
<p><b>Hawks:</b> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71919/jeff-teague">Jeff Teague</a>, Korver, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71927/demarre-carroll">DeMarre Carroll</a>, Millsap, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24165/al-horford">Al Horford</a></p>
<h3>Community Question</h3>
<p>If the Pistons win this game with the Hawks playing their starters, does that change your opinion (positively or negatively) on the chances of the Pistons getting into the playoffs?</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=vVUB02ASTJ0:MwZZFdZyX-o:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=vVUB02ASTJ0:MwZZFdZyX-o:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=vVUB02ASTJ0:MwZZFdZyX-o:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=vVUB02ASTJ0:MwZZFdZyX-o:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/vVUB02ASTJ0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/31/8319867/pistons-vs-hawks-preview-first-round-matchupJason Brunskowskihttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/31/8319867/pistons-vs-hawks-preview-first-round-matchup2015-03-31T11:07:35-04:002015-03-31T11:07:35-04:00Stan Van Gundy calls this Pistons team one of the best group he's ever coached
<img alt="" src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/i4Iu01pRGqv1_74yLz5QjAozktM=/0x119:1547x1150/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46014554/usa-today-8467429.0.jpg" />
<p>Which might seem like a weird thing to read because the roster has changed significantly three times this season. </p>
<p>There's a plethora of eras within this season's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Detroit Pistons</a> team, but some components and characteristics, have remained steady throughout. &nbsp;It is those familiar bodies and the Pistons' evergreen never-say-die attitude that has <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/99612/stan-van-gundy">Stan Van Gundy</a> calling the 2014-2015 Pistons the best group of guys he's ever coached, which is high praise considering he took an <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/orlando-magic">Orlando Magic</a> team to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals">NBA finals</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/losses-sting-svg-calls-first-pistons-team-one-my-best-groups-coach-ever" target="_blank">Read the entire story by Keith Langlois</a>, but the takeaway quotes are below:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I'll tell you what's kept me going is we've got a good group of guys who have continued to play hard even through that 5 and 23 start and turned it around and then we got to the trading deadline and made a move, which in terms of trying to develop chemistry held us back and we lost 10 in a row - but virtually all of those were close games," he said. "Guys hung in there and kept playing hard.</p>
<p>"So the group kept me going by how hard they've worked and how hard they've played and not giving up on anything." [...]</p>
<p>"I've struggled with (losing) - it's a lot of losses," Van Gundy said. "But you walk in every day and you've got a group of guys that are working hard and so you owe them your best every single day. They've been fantastic, especially the guys who have been here all year and been up and down on the roller coaster with us. They have been magnificent and, truly, it's been one of my best groups to coach, ever. It's been an honor to coach them. It hasn't always gone the way we wanted, but it's been a great, great group."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Van Gundy credits <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21834/caron-butler">Caron Butler</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24234/joel-anthony">Joel Anthony</a> as the glue guys who kept everything together during the rough stretches. The Pistons most likely will not make the playoffs this year, but this team has been a breath of fresh air compared to the last several non-playoff teams. I'm still excited to see what the rest of the Stan Van Gundy era has in store for us as fans.</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=x1AeoSvYgVw:DXA-fQ8qlG0:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=x1AeoSvYgVw:DXA-fQ8qlG0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=x1AeoSvYgVw:DXA-fQ8qlG0:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=x1AeoSvYgVw:DXA-fQ8qlG0:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/x1AeoSvYgVw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/31/8319501/stan-van-gundy-detroit-pistons-best-group-great-great-good-goodPackeyhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/31/8319501/stan-van-gundy-detroit-pistons-best-group-great-great-good-good2015-03-31T10:52:48-04:002015-03-31T10:52:48-04:00Pistons vs. Celtics added to ESPN
<img alt="" src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b6w-9CiHk0jPuwrLJnuAtjw3v9U=/0x242:2422x1857/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46014460/usa-today-8477271.0.jpg" />
<p>The Pistons will be on national television April 8.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Detroit Pistons</a> are 4.5 games out of the No. 8 seed with nine games to play. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a> are currently clinging to that No. 8 seed by percentage points, .002 to be exact. By Wednesday, April 8, the Pistons could be playing for something or playing spoiler. Either way, they'll be playing on ESPN.</p>
<p>Via&nbsp;<a href="http://nesn.com/2015/03/celtics-notes-evan-turner-stays-hot-cs-pistons-moved-to-espn/" target="_blank">NESN</a> (with a&nbsp;<a href="http://pistonpowered.com/2015/03/30/pistons-celtics-added-to-espn-schedule/" target="_blank">H/T to PP)</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Wednesday's Celtics-Detroit Pistons matchup has been moved to ESPN, the network announced Monday. It'll be the first nationally televised game of the season for Boston, excluding the handful that have aired on NBA TV. The C's Jan. 14 game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/atlanta-hawks">Atlanta Hawks</a> originally was scheduled to air on ESPN but was flexed out following the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/4352/rajon-rondo">Rajon Rondo</a> trade.</p>
<p>As part of the switch, Celtics-Pistons also has been bumped up 30 minutes to a 7 p.m. tipoff.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Pistons have four games before this nationally televised game -- Atlanta, @Charlotte, @Chicago and Miami.</p>
<p>Phoenix-Dallas will air after the Pistons-Celtics, but who cares? We'll be basking in the night of magic by that time.</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=u84GSTO6Z-I:tC4EWQpAt08:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=u84GSTO6Z-I:tC4EWQpAt08:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=u84GSTO6Z-I:tC4EWQpAt08:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=u84GSTO6Z-I:tC4EWQpAt08:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/u84GSTO6Z-I" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/31/8319173/pistons-vs-celtics-espn-national-television-spoilerPackeyhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/31/8319173/pistons-vs-celtics-espn-national-television-spoiler2015-03-31T09:11:34-04:002015-03-31T09:11:34-04:00Pistons vs. Heat final score: Dwyane Wade, Miami sinks Detroit 109-102
<img alt="" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xBa5tHFBie6-gRqSyesDz2loeFQ=/0x150:2412x1758/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46013940/usa-today-8487773.0.jpg" />
<p>Andre Drummond had 32 points and 14 rebounds, but Dwyane Wade dropped 40.</p>
<p> </p>
<table border="1" align="center" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<tbody>
<tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">2014-2015 NBA Season</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240"><center><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3482853/detroit-pistons-logo-225.jpg"></center></td>
<th align="center" width="20">vs.</th>
<td width="240">
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Miami Heat" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/f8cdFvtbRTR-Vk2GXoGhOTIovNY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4726244/MHeat-225.png">
</figure>
<center></center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240">
<center>28-44 (13-23 away)</center> <center>Won 4</center>
</td>
<th align="center" width="20"></th>
<td width="240"><center>33-39 (17-18 home)</center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><b>Mar. 29, 2015, 6:00 p.m. EST</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>AmericaAirlines Arena</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>Fox Sports Detroit /105.1 The Ticket</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><a data-ref-index="6" target="_blank" href="http://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=4292&awinaffid=173843&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketsnow.com%2FTicketsNow%2Fdetroit-pistons-tickets%2F">Pistons Tickets</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>Odds: <a data-ref-index="7" class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a> -2</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><b>Probable Starters</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/35067/reggie-jackson">Reggie Jackson</a></td>
<th align="center" width="20">PG</th>
<td width="240"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/50285/goran-dragic">Goran Dragic</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><a data-ref-index="9" class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/198125/kentavious-caldwell-pope">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</a></td>
<th align="center" width="20">SG</th>
<td width="240"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21883/dwyane-wade">Dwyane Wade</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21834/caron-butler">Caron Butler</a></td>
<th align="center" width="20">SF</th>
<td width="240"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21811/luol-deng">Luol Deng</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24721/anthony-tolliver">Anthony Tolliver</a></td>
<th align="center" width="20">PF</th>
<td width="240"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/47149/bill-walker">Henry Walker</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><a data-ref-index="15" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157959/andre-drummond" class="sbn-auto-link">Andre Drummond</a></td>
<th align="center" width="20">C</th>
<td width="240"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21887/udonis-haslem">Udonis Haslem</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=6DH_rqqycOs:4B0OCuM-rgk:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=6DH_rqqycOs:4B0OCuM-rgk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=6DH_rqqycOs:4B0OCuM-rgk:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=6DH_rqqycOs:4B0OCuM-rgk:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/6DH_rqqycOs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/31/8319053/pistons-vs-heat-final-score-dwyane-wade-highlights-andre-drummonPackeyhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/31/8319053/pistons-vs-heat-final-score-dwyane-wade-highlights-andre-drummon2015-03-28T21:44:18-04:002015-03-28T21:44:18-04:00Final countdown commences for Pistons’ pursuit of postseason play
<img alt="" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tnkhr7Za_I8pRh-dpgwkz80fzPo=/0x83:2780x1936/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46014016/usa-today-8487772.0.jpg" />
<p>Winners of five of their last six games, the men from Motown have ten chances left to catch their competitors for an Eastern Conference playoff berth</p>
<p>Detroit fans may need extensive physical therapy for whiplash as their team races toward the finish line of the 2014-15 NBA season. First they went from being a huge disappointment (5-23) to the hottest team in the league (17-26 due to a 12-3 streak). When Brandon Jennings went down, they stumbled to a 6-7 record (23-33), before commencing a 10-game slide in the "<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/150206/reggie-jackson">Reggie Jackson</a> Era" (23-43). Now, as a result of their latest turnaround, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a> stand at 28-44, straining to narrow the gap between themselves and Boston, Brooklyn, Charlotte and Indiana for the eighth seed.</p>
<p>Clearly it’s anyone’s guess how Detroit will fare over their final ten regular season contests. After losing four straight games on a road trip west, the Pistons surprised a strong Memphis team on its visit to The Palace. Then after another frustrating loss to Philadelphia on the road, Detroit strung together four impressive victories over Chicago, Boston, Toronto and Orlando. While going 5-5 was better than might have been expected, it still leaves a lot of ground to make up in the next two weeks.</p>
<h3>Take a look ahead</h3>
<p>The Pistons will be blessed with a friendlier schedule that features five home games and only three opponents with winning records. All told, their foes average winning percentage is .483, but even that is skewed by those three top teams. The remaining seven are winning at a .327 rate that is worse than Detroit’s .389. In addition to two games against Miami, which has a tenuous hold on the seventh seed, the Pistons face Charlotte twice and Boston and Indiana once each. Since those three are also battling for the eighth spot, victories in those games will count double for Detroit. It’s not inconceivable that the chase could go down to the last game of the season on April 15. So file your taxes early just in case our game with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-york-knicks">Knicks</a> ends up mattering!</p>
<h2>Game 73 (Sun., Mar. 29): Pistons at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/miami-heat">Heat</a>
</h2>
<p>Detroit will still be missing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111926/greg-monroe">Greg Monroe</a> from its line-up, but Miami’s frontline has been decimated by injuries. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21639/chris-bosh">Chris Bosh</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24276/josh-mcroberts">Josh McRoberts</a> are out for the season, and both Chris Anderson and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111947/hassan-whiteside">Hassan Whiteside</a> are questionable for this match. The 33-39 Heat are 5-5 over their last 10. They lost on the road to Atlanta Friday night while the Pistons were downing the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/orlando-magic">Magic</a>. This game will feature a duel between two point guards who changed teams in February – Reggie Jackson and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/50285/goran-dragic">Goran Dragic</a>. Detroit coasted to a 108-91 victory at home in early February, and with the same result would match its win total for each of the last two years – and give Coach Stan Van Gundy his 400th career conquest.</p>
<p><strong>Advantage: </strong> <em>Pistons</em></p>
<h2>Game 74 (Tues., Mar. 31): <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/atlanta-hawks">Hawks</a> at Pistons</h2>
<p>Detroit has lost all three of its previous matches with Atlanta, which recently suffered its first three-game losing streak of this season. The Pistons lost at The Palace by just three points in early January, so perhaps they can challenge the East’s best team this time, too. Bench nemesis <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157956/mike-scott">Mike Scott</a> is out with a broken toe, so <a target="new" href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/28/8293037/pistons-news-reggie-jackson-gloves-picture-atlanta-hawks-austin-daye">former Piston Austin Daye has been added to their roster</a>. A triumph over the currently 55-17 Hawks would be a huge boost to Detroit’s playoff aspirations – and would give their fans hope that a first round playoff series would not end with a 4-0 drubbing.</p>
<p><strong>Advantage:</strong> <em>Hawks</em></p>
<h2>Game 75 (Wed., Apr. 1): Pistons at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-hornets">Hornets</a>
</h2>
<p>These teams have split their season series so far, with the visitors winning each time. Now at 30-41, Charlotte is just narrowly ahead of Detroit, making this game especially critical to both squads. The return of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/150062/kemba-walker">Kemba Walker</a> and the acquisition of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21676/mo-williams">Mo Williams</a> have bolstered their backcourt. No fooling – a healthy Monroe could be a difference maker for the Pistons.</p>
<p><strong>Advantage: </strong> <em>Hornets</em></p>
<h2>Game 76 (Fri., Apr. 3): Pistons at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/chicago-bulls">Bulls</a>
</h2>
<p>Detroit owns a 2-1 series edge over 44-29 Chicago, but the home team has held serve each time. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/50189/derrick-rose">Derrick Rose</a>’s injury has shorthanded their backcourt, while they enjoy a surplus of talent upfront in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21732/pau-gasol">Pau Gasol</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71926/taj-gibson">Taj Gibson</a>, Nicola Mirotic and Joachim Noah. To date they are just 7-7 for March, but five of those losses have come on the road. This will be a "Good Friday" for one of these teams, but which one?</p>
<p><strong>Advantage:</strong> <em>Bulls</em></p>
<h2>Game 77 (Sat., Apr. 4): Heat at Pistons</h2>
<p>Detroit will conclude a week that began in Miami by welcoming the Heat back to The Palace. The Pistons will be coming off yet another back-to-back, while Coach Erik Spoelstra’s charges will have enjoyed a day’s rest after a Thursday night game in Cleveland. While almost every game will be a must-win for Detroit, they certainly cannot afford to let this one slip away.</p>
<p><strong>Advantage: </strong> <em>Pistons</em></p>
<h2>Game 78 (Wed., Apr. 8): <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/boston-celtics">Celtics</a> at Pistons</h2>
<p>Detroit fans get to welcome back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/67818/jonas-jerebko">Jonas Jerebko</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71861/luigi-datome">Luigi Datome</a> to their first NBA home, as their favorites face off against the franchise that has been holding down the eighth seed of late. The Pistons triumphed 105-97 in overtime when they last met in Boston, but both <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246298/marcus-smart">Marcus Smart</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/150313/isaiah-thomas">Isaiah Thomas</a> were nursing injuries. Assuming Detroit has made up some of the ground separating these two prior to this match, a victory tonight could make the final week of games a neck-and-neck race. The Celtics have a tough schedule to close the season, so don’t be surprised if they falter down the stretch.</p>
<p><strong>Advantage: </strong> <em>Pistons</em></p>
<h2>Game 79 (Fri., Apr. 10): <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/indiana-pacers">Pacers</a> at Pistons</h2>
<p>Indiana recently endured a six-game losing streak, which followed a seven-game winning streak! Detroit holds a 2-1 lead in the series, but lost the last one in Indianapolis. Speculation that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111927/paul-george">Paul George</a> will return continues, but it’s still unknown whether he will get on the floor and contribute at this late date. If their playoff hopes are still alive, a win will be essential for the Pistons.</p>
<p><strong>Advantage: </strong> <em>Pistons</em></p>
<h2>Game 80 (Sun., Apr. 12): Hornets at Pistons</h2>
<p>Detroit hosts the fourth and final game of this series, with either a playoff spot or lottery odds on the line. Like all their games in this final week, this one will either mean everything or nothing.</p>
<p><strong>Advantage: </strong> <em>Pistons</em></p>
<h2>Game 81 (Mon., Apr. 13): Pistons at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/cleveland-cavaliers">Cavaliers</a>
</h2>
<p>Cleveland has won the last two matches, but way back in late December Detroit rolled to a 103-80 victory. The Cavs continued to struggle until mid-January, then ran off 12 straight triumphs and have been one of the NBA’s best ever since. With the second seed securely in their possession, Cleveland could rest some of its starters, which might help the home team.</p>
<p><strong>Advantage:</strong> <em>Cavaliers</em></p>
<h2>Game 82 (Wed., Apr. 15): Pistons at Knicks</h2>
<p>Among the 10 straight losses that Detroit suffered after the All-Star break, none was more humiliating than their double-overtime defeat at the hands of New York, the NBA’s worst team. If making the playoffs is still a possibility, the Pistons will have to beware of a Knicks team that will be eager to play the spoiler. If not, this night could finally be (Quincy) Miller time!</p>
<p><strong>Advantage: </strong> <em>Pistons</em></p>
<h3>What can we expect?</h3>
<p>If this season has taught us anything, it’s that this Detroit team defies all expectations. Nevertheless, with six of their final games against teams that are also jockeying for a ticket to the postseason, the Pistons are largely in control of their own destiny. Hang on to your hats – this ride could get bumpy! But at least no one can complain that this season has been boring!</p>
<p>What are your projections for the Pistons next 10 games? For our final poll, you get two choices – playoffs or the lottery. Vote what you think and then share your reasons in the comments.</p>
<fieldset class="poll-box">
<legend>Poll</legend>
<h5 class="poll-title">Over the next 10 contests I think the Pistons will:</h5>
<div id="poll_container_289496_714727385">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/polls/vote/289496?container_id=poll_container_289496_714727385" method="post" onsubmit="new Ajax.Request(&#39;/polls/vote/289496?container_id=poll_container_289496_714727385&#39;, {asynchronous:true, evalScripts:true, parameters:Form.serialize(this)}); return false;"><div style="margin:0;padding:0;display:inline"><input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="&#x2713;" /><input name="authenticity_token" type="hidden" /></div>
<ul class="poll-list clearfix">
<li class="clearfix"><span class="radio"><input id="poll_option_1292160" name="poll_option" type="radio" value="1292160" /></span>
<label for="poll_option_1292160"><span class="option">Win enough games to make the playoffs</span></label></li>
<li class="clearfix"><span class="radio"><input id="poll_option_1292162" name="poll_option" type="radio" value="1292162" /></span>
<label for="poll_option_1292162"><span class="option">Lose enough games to return to the lottery</span></label></li>
</ul>
<p class="poll-vote-submit"><input class="button" name="commit" type="submit" value="Vote!" />
<span> &nbsp; <span>104 votes |</span> <a href="#" onclick="new Ajax.Request(&#39;/polls/results/289496?container_id=poll_container_289496_714727385&#39;, {asynchronous:true, evalScripts:true, parameters:&#39;authenticity_token=&#39; + encodeURIComponent(&#39;&#39;)}); return false;">Results</a></span></p>
</form></div>
</fieldset>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=l3vyH7DAIG4:eAS1TDagmZo:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=l3vyH7DAIG4:eAS1TDagmZo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=l3vyH7DAIG4:eAS1TDagmZo:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=l3vyH7DAIG4:eAS1TDagmZo:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/l3vyH7DAIG4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/28/8306875/final-countdown-commences-for-pistons-pursuit-of-postseason-playrevkenhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/28/8306875/final-countdown-commences-for-pistons-pursuit-of-postseason-play2015-03-28T11:40:48-04:002015-03-28T11:40:48-04:00Pistons News Roundup: Reggie Jackson explains his gloves, veteran leadership helping Pistons close games & Austin Daye still looking to make his mark
<img alt="" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q0LY-LGoI7i5viAiDd7BY2YHjLI=/0x0:3220x2147/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45982648/usa-today-8453773.0.jpg" />
<p>Amidst a hot streak, Reggie Jackson explains the reason behind the gloves he wears on the bench; SVG's focus on veteran leadership helping Pistons and an update on NBA Champion Austin Daye.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/150206/reggie-jackson" class="sbn-auto-link">Reggie Jackson</a> opens up on use of gloves</h4>
<p>Whats with Reggie's gloves? (image&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25125173/look-reggie-jackson-wears-hunting-gloves-on-pistons-bench" target="_blank">via CBSSports</a>)</p>
<p><figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_jLmnAtgS4EL9CynuGVdWtL6NLY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3550470/ReggieJacksonGloves.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>A question many have asked during the course of a game when the new Pistons floor-general takes a seat on the bench, almost immediately burying his hands in a pair of battery-operated hunting gloves. Is the Palace too cold? Injury concerns? Increased blood flow? Tentative answers for the guard's odd choice of bench-wear have been put forward meekly, but in an interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/uW4HmbFpvw0">The Oakland Press' Dave Pemberton</a>, Jackson clears the air.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I found out in OKC I had problems with my hands getting extremely cold once I started running. I started losing feelings in my extremities. (The gloves) keep my hands warm so I can keep feeling the ball. Throughout the game my hands would get to the point where they were freezing."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Jackson credits <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/oklahoma-city-thunder" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> trainer Joe Sharpe with helping him fight through his cold hands and find a way of keeping them warm with the use of thick, battery-operated hunting gloves. Reggie isn't the only player to wear gloves on the bench. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/toronto-raptors" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a>' Patrick Patterson was seen sporting a pair of mittens during a game earlier this month, confusing more than one sports fan, but former <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/san-antonio-spurs" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a>' bigman and Comcast Sports Net's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21905/malik-rose" class="sbn-auto-link">Malik Rose</a> explained that players have been known to wear gloves containing Parrafin wax to keep their hands warm (per&nbsp;<a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/700-level/video-toronto-raptors-wear-strange-looking-mittens-while-bench">CSNPhilly's Enrico Campitelli</a>).</p>
<p>Feeding the hot hand is always the prime concern of point guards, and now that Jackson's are warm, he has put together some very impressive games as he and his teammates have started to warm up to each other. With the recent string of successes the team has experienced over the past few games, hopefully Reggie keeps his gloves on and helps the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a> maintain their winning ways as they make their annual end of season push.</p>
<h4>Veteran leadership helping Detroit close out games</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/99612/stan-van-gundy" class="sbn-auto-link">Stan Van Gundy</a> has insisted on the value of veteran leadership since his arrival in Motown, and the roster additions of Caron Butler, Joel Anthony, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24721/anthony-tolliver" class="sbn-auto-link">Anthony Tolliver</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21788/john-lucas-iii" class="sbn-auto-link">John Lucas III</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21691/tayshaun-prince" class="sbn-auto-link">Tayshaun Prince</a> are all proving to back up the coach's praise for the contribution of more experienced players on a young core of players. Their mentoring off the court has had their effects on some of the younger players on the squad, evident in Tayshaun Prince telling Reggie Jackson to slow down, Caron Butler pulling aside <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71910/brandon-jennings" class="sbn-auto-link">Brandon Jennings</a> to share his wisdom and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24234/joel-anthony" class="sbn-auto-link">Joel Anthony's</a> professionalism impressing his teammates.</p>
<p>Their play on the court, although lackluster at times, has recently helped the young, inexperienced Pistons power through and claim a series of wins against several playoff teams looking to make a deep run. Joel Anthony has stepped up recently, playing over 15 minutes per game over the past five contests, filling in for a foul-prone <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157959/andre-drummond" class="sbn-auto-link">Andre Drummond</a> and injured Greg Monroe. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21834/caron-butler" class="sbn-auto-link">Caron Butler's</a> stagnant shooting numbers have seen a huge rise over that time period as well, shooting .531/.550/1.000, leading the Pistons to wins over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/chicago-bulls" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/boston-celtics" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a>. Tolliver and Prince have both had strong performances against the Raptors and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/orlando-magic" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic</a>, and Anthony helped the Pistons to a win over the Bulls</p>
<p>Against all odds, Detroit has toppled some of the East's new powerhouses thanks to the strong play of their roster as a whole, with all players competing together in games rivaling the intensity and fun of the January win streak. Could the Pistons still make a push for the playoffs on the back of the team's new-found overall play? Will the veterans continue to complement the production of their younger counterparts? Either way, after a string of disappointing losses, it is good to see the Pistons' roster coming together and flashing the potential Stan Van Gundy has been talking about over the course of the season.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71915/austin-daye" class="sbn-auto-link">Austin Daye</a> getting a second shot with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/atlanta-hawks" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a>
</h4>
<p>After a tumultuous couple of seasons since being traded to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/memphis-grizzlies" class="sbn-auto-link">Memphis Grizzlies</a> in 2012, Austin Daye has received a second chance to stick to an NBA roster with the Atlanta Hawks signing the former Gonzaga forward to&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CVivlamoreAJC/status/580420261524180994">a second 10-day contract</a>. Brought in to fill the hole left by Mike Scott's injury, Daye has so far played only two games for the soaring Hawks, totaling three points and three rebounds in nine minutes of game time.</p>
<p>The 6'11" small forward has had trouble sticking in the League, but has continued to receive interest due to his frame and shooting potential (35.4% three-point shooter for his career), showing flashes of his talent during stints in Memphis and Toronto, he landed with the San Antonio Spurs, with whom he stayed with a year and a half before being waived in favor of JaMychal Green. During his stay with the Texan powerhouse, Daye&nbsp;<a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dayeau01.html">averaged </a>4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 9.6 minutes, shooting a career high 41.1% from three in limited attempts in 2013.</p>
<p>His first year with San Antonio culminating in a Championship, the California native struggled in increased minutes with the defending champions this year, leading to his dismissal from the team. Now with his fifth NBA team in six years, Daye is looking to stick around with the Hawks, and hopefully he can unlock his potential and stay in the league in which he has shown promise.</p>
<h4>Tweet of the Week</h4>
<p><span></span></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Another great team win! Proud of the way everybody has responded after a bad stretch of games! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DetroitBasketball?src=hash">#DetroitBasketball</a></p>
— Anthony Tolliver (@ATolliver44) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATolliver44/status/580596849893064704">March 25, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</span></p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=q6tvSrTbAPI:fK0kNPd1lXM:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=q6tvSrTbAPI:fK0kNPd1lXM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=q6tvSrTbAPI:fK0kNPd1lXM:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=q6tvSrTbAPI:fK0kNPd1lXM:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/q6tvSrTbAPI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/28/8293037/pistons-news-reggie-jackson-gloves-picture-atlanta-hawks-austin-dayeVincent Diringerhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/28/8293037/pistons-news-reggie-jackson-gloves-picture-atlanta-hawks-austin-daye2015-03-27T22:23:19-04:002015-03-27T22:23:19-04:00Pistons vs. Magic final score: Detroit claims 4th straight win in 111-97 victory in Orlando
<img alt="" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JchhM4AhE5iwVsJMjOzat0iO7D0=/0x53:4278x2905/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45996052/usa-today-8480352.0.jpg" />
<p>Reggie Jackson had another triple double in the Pistons' 28th win of the season.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a> continue climbing up the food chain with a 14-point victory in central Florida. &nbsp;It started as a happy occasion for the Orlando natives, with Shaquille O'Neal being inducted into the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/orlando-magic">Magic</a> Hall of Fame before tip off. &nbsp;After that, however, it went downhill for them, with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/150206/reggie-jackson">Reggie Jackson</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21691/tayshaun-prince">Tayshaun Prince</a>...wait Tayshaun Prince?...yes, Tayshaun Prince, dominating.</p>
<p>Reggie Jackson became the first Piston since <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21607/grant-hill">Grant Hill</a> to have multiple triple doubles in a season, which is impressive considering Reggie has only been here for 17 games. &nbsp;Tayshaun, on the other hand, ripped the Magic bench unit to shreds, showing some savvy veteran leadership to lead the team to victory.</p>
<h3>The Good, Bad and Ugly</h3>
<p><b>GOOD</b></p>
<p>-- Reggie Jackson, despite assist-hunting at the end, did finish with a strong triple double. &nbsp;Unlike his highly inefficient trip-dub in Philadelphia, Jackson tonight finished with 28 points (9-19 FG, 7-9 FT), 11 rebounds and 10 assists.</p>
<p>-- Tayshaun Prince showed us the benefits of Isolayshaun, destroying the Magic to the tune of 23 points (10-15 FG) and 7 rebounds (4 offensive). &nbsp;The majority of his points were in post-up and mid range situations, as he got his jumper working early and it remained wet all night.</p>
<p>-- Free throws were a big part of the game, and not only did the Pistons get to the line, they were also effective in not fouling Orlando. &nbsp;The Pistons were 20-27 (74%) from the line, and while the Magic did not miss a foul shot, they were only granted 8, showing they do not have a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71909/demar-derozan">DeMar DeRozan</a> clone on their team.</p>
<p>-- Turnovers. &nbsp;The Pistons only had 7 while forcing 17 from Orlando.</p>
<p><b>BAD</b></p>
<p>-- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21710/shawne-williams">Shawne Williams</a> continues to look useless out there. &nbsp;While I was a big advocate of his signing at the time, he has since proven to not be very good. &nbsp;He was 0-3 tonight in 6 minutes, and did not register a statistical contribution in any other category. &nbsp;His minutes could go to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157927/quincy-miller">Quincy Miller</a> and we would not notice the difference.</p>
<p><b>UGLY</b></p>
<p>--<span> </span>KCP really built himself a mansion tonight. &nbsp;4-20 from the field, including 0-5 from distance. &nbsp;He was lucky to hit double figures with 10 points, but he had one of his signature stinkers tonight. &nbsp;He did contribute 5 rebounds and 4 steals to try and offset his backboard breaking chunkers, but overall, a game to forget.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/games/20150327/DETORL/gameinfo.html?ls=slt">Box Score</a></p>
<p>Next game is Sunday in Miami at 6PM EST.</p>
<p>Orlando SBN:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Pinstriped Post</a></p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=KncbtYMbzA8:98RWjVu1IBg:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=KncbtYMbzA8:98RWjVu1IBg:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=KncbtYMbzA8:98RWjVu1IBg:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=KncbtYMbzA8:98RWjVu1IBg:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/KncbtYMbzA8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/27/8304273/pistons-vs-magic-final-score-reggie-jackson-triple-doublesBen Quagliatahttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/27/8304273/pistons-vs-magic-final-score-reggie-jackson-triple-doubles2015-03-27T12:00:03-04:002015-03-27T12:00:03-04:00NBA Power Rankings: Coaches, Executives, and Front Office
<img alt="" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nv_uQ7puS-5Rtl8GJB2PNGL57hc=/754x71:2519x1248/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45985540/usa-today-8466308.0.jpg" />
<p>Stan Van Gundy took over as both head coach and President of Basketball Operations for the Pistons in the summer of 2014. </p>
<p>On Thursday of last week, ESPN.com revealed their Head Coach Rankings for the season (though it is not over yet). They then revealed their Executives Rankings on Friday (General Manager, President of Basketball Operations, etc.). And then finally today, they revealed their overall Front Office Rankings. Here's how the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a> did.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th> <th>Ranking</th> <th>Basis</th> <th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Head Coach</td>
<td>17</td>
<td><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/99612/stan-van-gundy">Stan Van Gundy</a></td>
<td>6.17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Executives</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>President: Stan Van Gundy | GM: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/101491/jeff-bower">Jeff Bower</a>
</td>
<td>5.22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front Office</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Head Coach, GM, President, Owner, etc.</td>
<td>5.45</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>I am not seeing a previous ranking for either Head Coaches or for Executives. However, it does show that last year the Pistons were ranked 28th in overall Front Office. And while one may think that jumping nine spots might be a lot, it is only tied for the third highest jump with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/atlanta-hawks">Atlanta Hawks</a>. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/cleveland-cavaliers">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> jumped from 27th to 19th (or should we say LeBron jumped) and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> jumped from 29th to 14th, the largest jump of any team.</p>
<p>Some notable coaches (based on name, team performance, etc.) that are listed below Van Gundy are David Blatt (they should have really just put <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21851/lebron-james">LeBron James</a>), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/99605/scott-brooks">Scott Brooks</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/99614/steve-clifford">Steve Clifford</a> (a one time assistant to Stan), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/98836/lionel-hollins">Lionel Hollins</a>, Flip Saunders, and (whom I find a bit of a surprise) Randy Wittman. Some notable coaches who are listed above Van Gundy (that I think shouldn't be) are <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/224409/brad-stevens">Brad Stevens</a> and Frank Vogel. Now, I know these teams are doing the best they can with what they have, but I'd kind of argue that the Detroit Pistons team has been the team the most in flux this season (Philadelphia doesn't count, they aren't trying).</p>
<p>How do you feel about these Rankings? Are you encouraged at all? Let us know in the comments.</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=mfxjt55L0ZE:BmaG7VmunmY:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=mfxjt55L0ZE:BmaG7VmunmY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=mfxjt55L0ZE:BmaG7VmunmY:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=mfxjt55L0ZE:BmaG7VmunmY:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/mfxjt55L0ZE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/27/8295575/nba-power-rankings-coaches-executives-and-front-officeJason Brunskowskihttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/27/8295575/nba-power-rankings-coaches-executives-and-front-office